Caring for your newborn

Bringing a newborn home is often a time of joy, but it can also feel overwhelming.

From establishing feeding and safe sleep to monitoring for signs of illness, the volume of tasks and decisions can be daunting at first. For many parents, the emotional toll of juggling these responsibilities while adjusting to the profound changes in their lives is unexpected and deeply felt.

One of the biggest challenges is the unpredictability of new born care, babies have irregular sleep patterns, frequent feeding needs, and periods of fussiness that can leave parents physically and emotionally exhausted.

These pressures can take a toll on emotional wellbeing. It’s common for parents to experience feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or anxiety, especially when they’re unsure if they’re meeting their baby’s needs.

The demands of round-the-clock care, paired with sleep deprivation, can also leave parents feeling irritable, tearful, or overwhelmed. For many, there’s an unspoken expectation to cope perfectly, which can make it harder to ask for help or admit struggles.

Above all, remember that no one has all the answers, and perfection isn’t the goal. Offering your baby love and care, while being kind to yourself, is the most important foundation for navigating this challenging but rewarding journey.

Try to set realistic expectations, It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by societal pressures to "do it all" or present a picture-perfect image of parenthood. Remember that every parent makes mistakes, and there’s no single "right way" to care for a baby. Celebrate small wins and remind yourself that being a "good enough" parent is truly enough.

Create moments of self care, Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate—it can be as simple as taking a 10-minute shower, enjoying a cup of tea, or stepping outside for fresh air. Prioritising these small moments can provide a mental reset and recharge.